FOOD delivery companies are willing to let vulnerable drivers die and are resisting safety regulations to maintain profits, according to researchers at the Australian National University (ANU).

Researchers say that the recent deaths of several food delivery couriers have highlighted a lack of regulation in the industry where companies are putting profits ahead of people.

In a study released today (September 23) researchers found that one-in-three food couriers sustained injuries on the job, while more than two-thirds reported the fear of being seriously hurt or killed while working.

According to ANU Professor Kate Henne, the study showed that worker’s lives were expendable for the sake of economic gain.

“We drew on widespread reporting that shows many food delivery companies denied responsibility and resisted calls to implement reforms aimed at preventing future tragedies,” Professor Henne said.

“Our research shows the value of these workers’ labour is inextricably linked to their capacity to be injured and neglected, because they do not have basic work protections.”

In the study researchers assessed responses to the deaths of couriers, and interviewed 40 Australia-based participants on their experiences as food delivery drivers during the pandemic.

Study co-author Will Orr said: “Average customer spending on Uber Eats more than tripled from pre-pandemic levels and without financial compensation or sick leave, many couriers continued to work while injured to financially sustain themselves.

“Couriers come to bear the economic brunt of their injuries while platforms’ bottom line remains largely unscathed.”

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